Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-01-01
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ASSOCIATED PRESS DISPATCHES
Reception at the White House


WASHINGTON, Jan. IA disagreeabe
day ushered in the new year, but notwith-
standing the unfavorable weather the day
was generally observed by a suspension of
business and social calling. Before noon
the rain ceased and the day Enlightened
somewhat at the White House there was
no special effort to secure decorative effects,
and flowers and palms constituted the only
embellishments of the interior The hall
ways and East room were in their usual new
years attire, with garlands and festoons of
smilax suspended from the chandeliers, and
gilded and silver wicker pots and tropical
plants filling every niche and mantel.
Tho Blue Parlor where the reception took
place was lavishly decorated with banks of
cut flowers and palms. The light from num-
erous gas jets mellowed the daylight that
found its way through the partly drawn
curtains. The Marine Band was stationed
in the main hall, and discoursed popular
music during the ceremonies On either
side Of the entrance to the mansion stood
file of police A few minutes after eleven
o'clock the Marine band began to play
Hail to the Chief" and the Presidential
party came through the central hall and
passed into the Blue Parlor. President
Cleveland led the party with Mrs. Manning
on his arm, He was in full dress, and walked
without perceptible hindrance, although
his gait was slow. The President looked
uncommonly well, considering his recent ILL
ness, and he seemed to be in good spirits.
Following the President came Secretary
Bayard and Mrs. Cleveland, Secretary
Manning and Mrs. Endicott, Secretary
Endicott and Mrs. Villas, Postmaster
General Villas and Secretary Whitney,
and Col. Lamont and 1t. Duvall, OF
the navy President Cleveland took a
position next to the west entrance of the
Blue Room, with Mrs. Cleveland at his left,
and Mrs. Manning Mrs. Endicott and Mrs.
Villas just beyond. The reception immedi-
ately began with the presentation by AS
sistant Secretary Adee and Chief Clerk
Brown, of the diplomatic corps, which was
headed by Dir. Preston, the Hayten minis
ter. The President stood without support
and greeted every person il tie line with
smile and cordial shake of the hand.
The guests were received BY Mrs. Cleve-
land with a graceful yet dienifed welcome
and extended hand.
After the members Of the Diplomatic
Corps had exchanged fluctuations of the sea-
sou with the President ard the ladies as
sistng in the reception. many OF them
passed around in the reaijof the line and
chatted for few minutes wth the members
of the Cabinet and other officials who stood
in the south end of the Bue Parlor. The
justices of the Supreme Jourt next paid
their respects to the Prudent. Justice
Woods was the only absertee. Next in or
der came the members Of the Court of
Claims the local juf ciary, District
officers, ex Ministers, Serators and Repre-.
sentatives. At noon the band struck up
martial air, and the dlicers of the navy
numbering over one hundred, under the
lead of Resr.Admirsl Wells, entered the
mansion and paid their respects to the Pres
ident and party. They were followed by |
about 125 army officers, loaded by Zen.
Sheridan and ex-Judge advocate Gen. Holt
At half past twelve the departmental officers and
bureau chiefs were received Following came the |
veterans of the war 1912 md 1876 the Grand |
Army of the Republic and tla Oldest Inhabitants
AS 'ocintion of the District OF Columbus. At one |
o'clock the gates were thrown open to the general
public and their reception followed.